It’s where you’ll find some of the city’s best theatres and art institutions, but Southbank is a cultural epicentre in more ways than that. It’s also where you’ll find a huge range of food and drink options, from sandwiches stuffed with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, to housemade prawn bao buns with spicy eggyolk mayo, to chilled glasses of local wine to sip while overlooking the Yarra.

Here are five of the best places to eat and drink in Southbank.

The Barre
Located in the Theatres Building under the Arts Centre spire, The Barre is a sleek, lounge-style venue hiding in plain sight. Tucked away along the rim of where the Arts Centre faces the NGV, indoors The Barre feels true to its name, with its polished timber floorboards evoking the feel of a ballet studio. Wooden tables and chairs sit opposite the caramel-coloured couches against the walls, and light fixtures highlight artwork throughout the bar and restaurant. The menu here is succinct while skewing European and comes accompanied by an extensive drinks menu. The Barre is open for dinner as well as offering a late-night menu for those post-show debriefs.

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The Conservatory
One of Melbourne’s most opulent dining spaces, The Conservatory’s grand white arches, marble tables and glistening chandeliers make the perfect backdrop for a classic high tea or buffet dinner. Located in the centre of Crown and inspired by Parisian hotel tea rooms, The Conservatory features a menu of international cuisine, with Japanese, Indian and Italian options on offer. Views of the Yarra add to the luxury of a champagne and lobster lunch.

D.O.C. Pizza and Mozzarella Bar Southbank
D.O.C. is all about authentic Italian fare. The Southbank outpost is a slick operation, serving up mozzarella, insalate, lasagna and, of course, pizza. Order a mozzarella tasting plate or the house speciality, Pizza DOC with San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. Pizza Vegana is a dairy-free option with yellow tomato, seasonal roasted vegetables and vegan cheese. Time your visit with aperitivo hour – between 4pm and 6pm – to enjoy pre-dinner olives and prosciutto with your drink, in true Italian style.

Rosetta Ristorante
Rosetta Ristorante offers a cross-section of regional Italian food, from the Sicilian pasta dish gnocchetti sardi alla Norma to the Tuscan classic bistecca alla Fiorentina. With marble floors, velvet banquettes and hand-blown glass chandeliers, Rosetta sets the scene for a Roman holiday at home.

The Green Room
Consider it the new kid on the block. The latest offering from the Au79 team, The Green Room is a wine bar located within Home Southbank, Melbourne’s first luxury build-to-rent apartments. Featuring moody lighting and private booths, the wine bar serves up a Modern Australian-Italian fare. Snack on porcini mushroom risotto with mixed grains and buckwheat, or housemade prawn bao buns with spicy egg-yolk mayo, smoked cucumber and guindilla. There’s also a carefully curated wine list on offer.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Home Southbank.